Scioto County – David Thoroughman states that his 9-1-1 Communication Center received a call on Monday, August 21, 2022 at approximately 5:48 p.m., from a property owner of 161 Big Doney Road. The property owner stated that he went to check on his property and there were squatters that should not be there.
The deputies were dispatched and upon arrival the first deputy on scene observed one male down by a pond. The deputy entered the house and observed a female and male in the bedroom. The male subject, who appeared to be under the influence, took off running, wearing only his underwear.
The deputy gave chase and the male suspect ran down a hill and jumped into a pond, stating that “you can’t tase me now, I am in water”. Once the deputy was able to get hands on the suspect the suspect pulled the deputy into the pond and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect took the deputies’ radio and held it so the deputy could not radio for help. As the altercation continued, the suspect got the deputy in a headlock and dragged him under water resulting in the deputy blacking out and almost drowning. The suspect then fled the scene, leaving the deputy in need of medical assistance.
Detectives processed the scene, collected evidence and interviewed witnesses as multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the manhunt to include the assistance of police K-9’s and a helicopter.
Two individuals were detained at the scene and brought in for questioning. The manhunt continued to approximately 1:03 am on Tuesday August 22, 2023 when deputies located the suspect and arrested him. Deputies expected that the suspect would return for his property and he did so. Arrested was Richard Michael Turner, age 28, who reported he was homeless in the Franklin Furnace area. His last known legal address was 49 Champion Ct. Kenton, OH.
Turner has been charged with Attempted Aggravated Murder, a felony of the 1ยง degree, Attempted Murder, a felony of the 15 degree, Felonious Assault on a Peace Officer, a felony of the 2nd degree, Obstructing Official Business, a felony of the S” degree, Breaking & Entering, a felony of the 5th degree. Turner was served a warrant on complaint for failure to appear – the original charge is Domestic Violence and a warrant out of Lawrence County for Resisting Arrest. Turner is being held on a $230,000.00 bond after his appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Also arrested was Tamera Clifton, age 30, of 11954 State Route 139 Minford, Ohio. Clifton was charged with one count of Breaking & Entering, a felony of the St degree and is being held on a $15,000 bond. Clifton is the alleged girlfriend of Turner.
Also arrested was Birdine Cole, age 39, of Cartro Road Franklin Furnace, Ohio. Cole was also charged with one count of Breaking & Entering, a felony of the 5th degree and is being held on a $15,000 bond. All three appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.
Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that he would like to thank the many law enforcement agencies that assisted in the man hunt, and special thanks to the Green Fire Department and Squad for allowing us to use their station for a command center. This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091.
